He told an All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking webinar that rather than asking people what they think about suggested changes, the emergency measures – introduced to provide more space for active travel during the pandemic – allow them to try a new form of getting around for themselves right away. It is important to have a “willingness to do something different and take a risk”, he added.

Chris, who is Greater Manchester’s cycling and walking ambassador, also said that “social justice is a strong reason for change” in how streets function. He pointed out that a third of households in the conurbation have no access to a car and are usually reliant on public transport, although many will have to find alternative means of getting around if they are to comply with social distancing.

Messaging alongside temporary lanes must be carefully written, he added, to thank motorists for their patience if space has been taken away from them, and point out that authorities have a moral obligation to give those without access to a car a safe travel option.

Also speaking at the meeting was Birmingham City Council’s transport and environment lead Waseem Zaffar, who suggested that demand for change in how streets function – such as with ‘pop up’ cycleways and low traffic neighbourhoods – tend to come from more affluent residents. “One of the biggest challenges is providing access to bicycles and creating infrastructure (for cycling) is really important,” he said.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cycling champion Suzanne Bartington added that improving cycle infrastructure formed part of a “whole recovery package” following Coronavirus and said measures to enhance active travel was also important for public health. She called for “a co-ordinated national campaign” around active travel to remove any potential for mixed messaging to the public and added that communications around cycling should refer to ‘people’ rather than ‘cyclists’.

London Borough of Lambeth’s deputy leader Claire Holland said local authorities need greater certainty of funding from Westminster to introduce active travel enhancements, and to be trusted to deliver what is right for their areas. She added that coming out of the pandemic, “a green recovery is the only way” and said that cycle training should be aimed at groups of people “who often would not have the confidence to cycle”.

(Photograph: Transport for Greater Manchester)